Adults

Artist Talks

MCASB offers several artist talks each year featuring visiting and local artists, scholars, curators, and other special guests. These conversations provide the Santa Barbara community with the opportunity to engage with exhibiting contemporary artists, learn about their processes and inspirations, and participate in creative, intellectual discussion.

To view past Artist Talks visit our YouTube channel!

smART Talks

The smART Talks lecture series serves to increase awareness of regional contemporary art through a series of three talks a year by local artists about their work, careers, and creative process. The series, begun in 1996, was created in honor of Helen Rosenberg, mother of Susan Rose, and grandmother of Julie Weiner, and honors artists who live and work in the Santa Barbara area.

Curated Cocktails

Enjoy Happy Hour with art, music, and friends at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara during Curated Cocktails -- a popular culture and libations series, presented in conjunction with Downtown Santa Barbara’s monthly 1st Thursdays.

Located on the beautiful Paseo Nuevo Upper Arts Terrace in the heart of Santa Barbara, Curated Cocktails feature unique themes inspired by the current exhibitions.
Enjoy after-hours museum access, signature cocktails, DJ sets, and interactive art experiences.

Third Thursday Studio

Third Thursday Studios provide unique opportunities to explore techniques and themes of contemporary art inspired by selected artworks in current exhibitions through hands-on experimentation under the guidance of a featured guest artist. Materials are provided and experience not needed.

Space is limited to 12 participants. Please RSVP to the Coordinator of Engagement at engagement@mcasantabarbara.org to reserve your spot.

Visiting Artist Series

MCASB’s Visiting Artist Series (VAS) pairs teaching artists with select non-profit organizations for (multi-visit) educational workshops that combine conversation and hands-on experimentation, inspire creativity and critical thinking, and promote meaningful engagement through contemporary art. Visiting Artist Series workshops can be held on site and off site.

To inquire about Visiting Artist Series (VAS) workshops please contact our Engagement Department at engagement@mcasantabarbara.org.

Art Study Tours (AST)

Travel with MCASB! Experience curated art travel like never before. MCASB curator-led Art Study Tours take guests to important private art collections, behind the scenes at major museums, art galleries, and into artist studios. These all-inclusive trips feature beautiful accommodations, the best and newest restaurants, and access to must-visit cultural hotspots. All trips are planned for a minimum of ten participants to ensure every attention to detail, with quality of experience paramount.

To inquire about upcoming Art Study Tours please contact our Development Department at development@mcasantabarbara.org


Past Events for Adults

  • Bean Gilsdorf, Schwarzenegger, 2015; wool and polyester; 36 x 36 in.

    Third Thursday Studio: Fun Flags

    Show your true colors and create a flag sculpture inspired by works in the exhibition Bloom Projects Exchange Series: Bean Gilsdorf, Soft Actor. MCASB Director…

  • Curated Cocktails

    DJ Myster Mause will perform a special set while attendees sip on signature cocktails and participate in hands-on art activities. The Museum is open late…

  • SPORTS, Runaway, 2016, Artist Rendering (detail), Courtesy the Artists

    In Conversation: Contemporary Design and Architecture in SB

    Join us for an intimate conversation led by MCASB executive director and chief curator Miki Garcia with architect Michael Patrick Porter, architecture critic and curator…

  • Summer Roman, Ormosia, 2011, reclaimed fabric, 5.5" x 6", Courtesy the artist.

    Third Thursday Studio: Soft Sculptures

    Experiment with fiber art at March’s Third Thursday Studio. Sommer Roman will lead attendees in stitching, stuffing, wrapping, and rolling provided textiles to create their…

  • Curated Cocktails

    March’s Curated Cocktails features a special set from DJ Persian House Cat in addition to signature cocktails and hands-on art activities. The Museum is open…

  • Bean Gilsdorf, DoubleDouble RR, 2015; wool and polyester; 87 x 66 in.

    Third Thursday Studio: Dismantling Icons

    February’s Third Thursday Studio offers attendees the unique opportunity to work with Warsaw-based artist Bean Gilsdorf to explore processes and ideas that motivate her work.…